During my morning hike today, I was approached by a woman walking in the opposite direction. She animatedly gestured and warned me, “There is a dangerous snake in the drainage ditch up ahead of you. Be sure to go around the standing water and avoid the snake!” I walked on ahead and came to the standing water. As I walked around it, my eyes were glued to the drainage ditch, scanning the water. I walked to the end of the water but didn’t see a snake. Then, I noticed a slight movement to in my peripheral vision, making me snap my head toward the left. It was the snake, slithering up a tree that was no more than two feet from me! I jumped backwards with a startle. I was glad that the snake was minding its own business and no harm came to me.